At what BAC level can a driver be considered impaired regardless of the legal threshold?

A driver can be considered impaired at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02. This level is significant because it is low enough that even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impairment begins before reaching the legal threshold of 0.08, which is the standard for DUI (driving under the influence) charges in many jurisdictions, including Maryland. At a BAC of 0.02, individuals may experience a decline in visual functions, difficulty in tracking moving objects, and a reduced ability to perform two tasks at the same time, all of which are critical while driving. Therefore, even at this low level, a driver can exhibit signs of impaired judgment and performance, making it illegal and unsafe to drive.